Ashley intervenes to secure Taylor deal

9:03am Thursday 26th June 2008

NEWCASTLE defender Steven Taylor is close to agreeing a new contract following the intervention of owner Mike Ashley.

The billionaire businessman stepped in to urge new managing director Derek Llambias, who replaced chairman Chris Mort at the helm last week, to bring an end to the long-running saga over the 22-year-oldfs future.

Taylor and his representatives have been in talks with the club for more than a year, with potential suitors watching closely.

However, progress has now been made and a successful conclusion is expected within the next couple of weeks.

Taylor said: eeKnowing the owner wants me to stay means a lot to me.

eeEveryone knows I love this club and want to commit my future here, but the deal has to be right for me and the club.

eeI am happy there has been some progress and I hope everything is sorted out soon.

eeItfs all in the hands of my agent and I canft really say any more.ff Taylor, who was born in Greenwich but brought up on Tyneside, has never made any secret of his desire to stay with the club he supported as a boy.

However, his existing deal, which is due to expire at the end of next season, made him one of the lowest earners among the first-team regulars.

His agent, Leon Angel, has been trashing out new terms with vice-president (player recruitment) Tony Jimenez in recent weeks in London with the latter in close contact with Llambias at St Jamesf Park.

It is understood the new deal would put Taylor on a par with fellow youngsters James Milner and Charles NfZogbia, who signed improved contracts under the previous regime.

Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan will prepare his troops for the new season with tough friendlies against Spanish and German opposition.

The Magpies yesterday announced their pre-season programme, which will include the Mallorca Summer Cup tournament and a home game against Valencia.

Keeganfs men, who return to training on July 7, will make the short trip to Coca-Cola League One Hartlepool on July 19 and seven days later, travel to newlypromoted Championship side Doncaster.

They then play a four-team tournament in Palma, facing Hertha Berlin on August 1 and Real Mallorca two days later, a trip which comes amid continuing speculation that former Magpies chairman Freddy Shepherd is considering launching a takeover at Real. Newcastle host Valencia on August 9 and a further home friendly could be arranged during that week.